[1] Purposes

The Department of Computer Science offers a degree leading to a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, a Master of Science degree in Applied Computing, and a minor in Computer Science. The Bachelor of Science degree emphasizes problem solving in the context of algorithm development and software implementation, and prepares students for effectively using modern computer systems in various applications. This BS program requires a minimum of 48 credit hours in computer science, about 31 credit hours in mathematics and the sciences, and the university general education program. The departmental curriculum provides required computer science courses such as programming languages, data structures, computer architecture and organization, algorithms, database systems, operating systems, and software engineering; as well as elective courses in artificial intelligence, computer-based communication networks, distributed computing, information security, graphics, human-computer interaction, multimedia, scientific computing, web technology, and other current topics in computer science.

The purpose of the BS in computer science is twofold: (1) to prepare the student for a position involving the design, development and implementation of computer software and systems, and (2) to prepare the student for entry into a program of graduate study in computer science and related fields. The educational objectives for students completing the BS degree program are that they

Objective 1: Grow as well-educated professionals with integrated high-level understanding of computing systems, processes, and the main body of knowledge of computer science as a whole;Objective 2: Be able to creatively apply essential concepts, principles, and practices to construct appropriate solutions and analyze application processes using professional judgment in the selection and application of theory, tools and techniques;Objective 3: Work productively, as an individual and as a team member, to produce work involving problem identification, analysis, design, and development of a software system within a professional, legal, and ethical framework; andObjective 4: Maintain their skills as the field evolves, and appreciate the needs for continuing professional growth and development to keep current in the profession.

All undergraduate students majoring in Computer Science will meet the following program general outcomes, specified by ABET CAC, upon their graduation:

An ability to apply knowledge of computing and mathematics appropriate to the discipline

An ability to analyze a problem and identify and define the computing requirements appropriate to its solution

An ability to design, implement and evaluate a computer-based system, process, component, or program to meet desired needs

An ability to function effectively on teams to accomplish a common goal

An understanding of professional, ethical, legal, security, and social issues and responsibilities

An ability to communicate effectively with a range of audiences

An ability to analyze the local and global impact of computing on individuals, organizations, and society

Recognition of the need for, and an ability to engage in continuing professional development

An ability to use current techniques, skills, and tools necessary for computing practices

Specifically, graduates should have an ability

To apply mathematical foundations, algorithmic principles, and computer science theory in the modeling and design of computer-based systems in a way that demonstrates comprehension of the tradeoffs involved in design choices; and

To apply design and development principles in the construction of software systems of varying complexity.

The department of computer science also offers a computer science curriculum leading to a minor in computer science. This curriculum provides necessary background for students interested in using computational methods to solve a broad range of application problems in sciences and engineering, such as bioinformatics, computational chemistry, computational engineering, computational mathematics, and others.

Junior and senior students who have demonstrated superior achievement in all areas, particularly in their computer science major, may be invited to participate in the Honors in Computer Science program. These students will engage in investigations in special computer science topics. The successful completion of their research will make these students eligible to graduate with Honors in Computer Science.

The department offers a combined and accelerated option for students to complete both the BS in Computer Science and the MS in Applied Computing degrees. This option allows qualified undergraduate seniors in the BS program in Computer Science to take first-year graduate-level courses in the MS program. These students will be able to complete all the requirements for the BS and MS programs in five years. Students interested in this five-year BS+MS combined option should contact his/her academic advisor or the department chair for details.

[3] Baccalaureate Degree: Bachelor of Science

The Bachelor of Science, with a major in computer science, requires successful completion of 120 hours, including (1) the UCA Core: complete 38 hours to meet lower-division UCA Core requirements and complete upper-division UCA Core requirements using major, minor, or elective courses (see the UCA Core requirements); (2) degree requirements; and (3) major requirements outlined below. This program does not require a minor.